AI can make workers better — then worse at their jobs, an innovation theorist warns (www.businessinsider.com)

John Nosta, founder of NostaLab, has raised concerns about the potentially detrimental effects of AI on worker skills, warning that while AI can initially enhance productivity, it may lead to a significant decline in skill levels when the technology is removed. This "AI rebound effect" can result in workers' abilities falling below their original baseline, creating an illusion of improved competence that may lead to overconfidence in their capabilities, especially in high-stakes environments. Nosta likens this to a physician aided by AI in performing procedures; while assistance improves performance in the short term, a subsequent lack of AI support could regress the clinician's skills. Nosta emphasizes a crucial need for maintaining cognitive engagement and resilience in a world increasingly dominated by AI. He advocates for "intentional resistance"—the idea that to combat cognitive atrophy and preserve independent thinking, individuals should use AI as a learning tool rather than a crutch. The overall cautionary message is that amidst rapid technological advancements, human cognitive skills may diminish, marking a significant risk where future workers could become overly reliant on AI, thus jeopardizing their ability to think critically and independently.